This is a deep topic that has been the subject of many upon many a Question Time debate in the U, and I can imagine it is an ongoing issue across the world. I've given three options in the poll, but like all political views there are all the shades in between to consider, and it would be helpful for the debate if all voters would specify where they stand in the comments below.

As far as my personal opinion goes I am for decriminalisation. Not only that, but I think drug addiction should be seen as a medical illness and not a criminal offense. A few of my friends are or have once been addicted to narcotics and I've witnessed first hand that it really IS a gross psychological and medical issue. Further more I do not agree with methadone or even buprenorphine as a substitute to ween addicts off heroin as studies have shown that they are just as detremental and have proven to be an ineffective method of curbing the addiction.

There is a great video clip of Russel Brand talking about it and making some very valid points on the subject. Although I don't particularly like the guy, I do find myself agreeing with him on this topic.

Just to clarify, any commenting on drug consumption or drug supplying outside of the subject matter, i.e. not regarding its legality, will not be tolerated and will no doubt be removed by the admins. I really hope that such comments do not emerge as this is an important subject and I would hate to see the thread closed because of irresponsible comments. I'm sure you pleasant folk on PA will post responsibly, but I must put this disclaimer.

Decriminalization basically does nothing to keep the drug trade out of the gangs/criminal elements, nor out of kids' hands (which is something the government at least are concerned about). Legalization makes much more sense for soft drugs. That way they can tax them too, same as liquor and tobacco. I don't see something like meth or crack or mescaline being legalized, but marijuana, shrooms and similar probably make sense.

Full-on legalization. For everybody's sake (except law enforcement agencies and prisons who will lose one of their major cash cows). It will benefit not only the US but Mexico and other places where the US' stupid policies have generated violence and death. It will be better for addicts in many ways. It will be better for our revenues. And it will be better for parents IF they choose not to treat it as taboo as alcohol is treated in the US (can't drink till 21? that's so ridiculous)and instead educate and prevent use through education and not brute stupid force.

Legalization. The past say hundred years of the opposite has done the human race nothing good. There is a huge responsibility involved though, and I'm not sure most folks are aware of this. It's dangerous to force one's 'freedom' onto innocent bystanders. It's a tightrope really.

“The Guide says there is an art to flying or rather a knack. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.”

The trouble is in the west we still have a prominent relative proletariat, the poorer portion not having access to the education that is required to prevent heroin, cocaine, ketamine and methamphetamine use. Looking at how often and how much pretty much everyone drinks in the UK, I fear that these drugs will rapidly become more widespread if it is entirely legalised. Of course there is not enough data to back this up, but it is only my assumption. On the other hand, full prohibition is, I feel, a violation of our freedom.

Plus the services to get off heroin will be a lot more costly under legalisation than decriminalisation and thus less accessible. I mean just look at the price of Nicorette products... It's cheaper to buy cigarettes!

The people that fall in addiction with drugs being illegal are the same ones that would if it were legal. I don't think class has anything to do with this. Alcohol prohibition and alcohol tabooism like in the current US has shown to be terrible at preventing people who want to drink from actuay doing so.

The services to get off heroin would be costly, maybe, the equivalent to nicorette patches wouldn't be extremely cheap, maybe, but they would be there. Drugs would have better regulated quality and would drop in price, theft for drugs and overdose would diminish, the rush to obtain the next hit as if it were going to be the last in the minds of addicts would be lessened. And the cost of "services" to keep addicts off the streets and dealers off the street would go down because there wouldn't be an industry devoted to make profit out of the insane drug war.

Just for clarification purposes, what is the difference between decriminalization and legalization? Doesn't making it not criminal in effect make it legal? Or would that mean that it isn't criminal to use but it is still criminal to sell?

I actually favor full out legalization of marijuana, all the rest should be decriminalized. In theory, I suppose legalizing all drugs makes sense but in reality (damn real life eh?) such an idea would never get support...so decrim all + legalize marijuana I'd say is my ideal, realistic, goal

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot create polls in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forum